5. Yes, the lawsuit is only about Pepsi. But as the majority statement says, Pepsi's discounts and discrimination against smaller stores happens "at [Walmart's] insistence." This is exactly how Walmart built its retail empire, and broke the industry in the process. - ThreadSky

ronmknox.bsky.social • 51 days ago

5. Yes, the lawsuit is only about Pepsi. But as the majority statement says, Pepsi's discounts and discrimination against smaller stores happens "at [Walmart's] insistence."

This is exactly how Walmart built its retail empire, and broke the industry in the process.

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ronmknox.bsky.social•51 days ago

6. If you comb through SEC filings, you'll find dozens of food and consumer goods companies admitting that they rely on Walmart for huge chunks of their sales, up to a quarter or more. They also say that their biggest customers demand the lowest prices, which they must agree to.

ronmknox.bsky.social•51 days ago

7. Walmart has used this power to punish its suppliers, and its biggest suppliers have changed their whole business model to meet Walmart's demands. Hence, the FTC's Pepsi lawsuit!

The fact that the lawsuit exists means the FTC wants Walmart's bullying business model to end.

ronmknox.bsky.social•51 days ago

8. This is an important point! Walmart has always sold its business as good for shoppers, and painted itself as bravely taking in lower profits in order to maintain "everyday low prices."

It's always been nonsense - it's always been corporate bullying all the way down. The FTC now makes that clear.

ronmknox.bsky.social•51 days ago

9. That bullying has forced smaller shops around the country to close their doors. That means in many places around the country, there are no more small grocers to help keep prices in check, or to give workers another option for higher wages.

Walmart's bullying has gutted entire communities.

ronmknox.bsky.social•51 days ago

10. When enforcers stop that bullying, it actually de-concentrates the retail economy. More small stores can stay in business, creating more shelf space and opportunity for local produce and cool new products. Workers get paid more. Communities are healthier.

ronmknox.bsky.social•51 days ago

11. It also stops other retailers - ahem, Kroger/Albertsons - from trying to merge to gain the same bullying power Walmart has. It stops brands from buying other brands in order to get more bargaining power to push back against Walmart's demands.

Ending bullying also stops concentration!

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